Julian Sectional Semis Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the two years straight, I have been the host school for the Chicago 2A Sectional at Julian. The two sectional semi games this year were pretty exciting with four schools having completely different playing styles. In this article we will cover the 3 best players in each game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Perspectives 54 U-High 34</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215322' first='Xavier' last='Nesbitt'] (U-High)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nesbitt was all the scoring punch that the Maroons had. He scored from all three levels doing his best to keep his team in the game.&nbsp; Perspectives had to throw different players at him to slow him down. Xavier is quick in the open court and is very smart when getting to his spot on the court. He finished with 29 points.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1371072' first='Jakeem' last='Cole'] (Perspectives Leadership)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jakeem is the reliable guard all teams wish they had. Cole is a stingy defender that makes the right play and is able to incorporate his teammates in the process. Jakeem scored in sporadic moments through the game getting a couple floaters and tough layups. He finished with 12 pts and a handful of assist in the win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1352590' first='Gianni' last='Cobb'] (Perspectives Leadership)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gianni seems to always be the instant offense for the Warriors. Cobb is superb at finding tight windows to get in the lane and score at the rim. He and his teammates collectively took turns covering Nesbitt which slowed him down from having a big scoring night. He finished with 12 points as well in a true team scoring effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Joliet Catholic 63 Phillips 61</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Birsa (Joliet Catholic) 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Northwestern Football commit might get a call from Chris Collins after his 24 points and 15 board performance on Wednesday night. Anthony is a load in the paint he has great footwork and strength around the rim. Birsa has the enough athleticism to catch lobs around the rim. He is a pure back to the basket post guy and he doesn't try to do anything outside of that. Birsa did a great job staying out of foul trouble because jumps straight up with his hands vertical each time causing a major roadblock when guys went for layups. He has put together some good games in route to Friday Sectional Championship game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaheim Savage (Phillips) 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Savage had a strong performances for Phillips.&nbsp; The senior lefty guard is athletic and has good body control around the rim. Jaheim started out hitting threes from well past the high school line.&nbsp;His natural ability to put the ball in the rim doesn't go unnoticed as several colleges were in the stands to check him out. Savage is a very capable defender that turns guys forcing ball handlers into uncomfortable situations. He showcased this in the fourth quarter when his team was down 12 and he helped them get in the game with under 2 minutes. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough but Jaheim finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler Surin (Joliet Catholic)&nbsp; 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surin is the lead ball handler for the Hilltoppers and was instrumental in the start for the second half to extend his team's lead to double digits. Surin is a straight lined driver who is very savvy when around the rim. He hit some tear drop layups and a strong takes through defenders in which he was fouled in the process.&nbsp; Tyler ability to withstand the Wildcats full court pressure is what eventually got them to the two point win. Surin ended with 12 points 6 assist.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->